Milwaukee M18 Fuel Compact Pipe Threader 2870 Review

Milwaukee M18 Fuel Compact Pipe Threader Drops Size and Weight for Smaller Pipes

Milwaukee’s original cordless threader is a really big deal in a couple of ways. Not only does it give tradesmen a cordless option for threading pipe, but it is also a hefty tool. While convenient, it can be a bit much if your needs are primarily on smaller-diameter pipes. If that sounds like you, the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Compact Pipe Threader is right up your alley.

Pros

More compact
Much lighter
Excellent threading speed
Kickback control
Head extension (Side-Grip) eliminates contact with the dies during use
One-Key onboard
Easy die changes

Cons

No significant drawbacks

Milwaukee M18 Fuel Compact Pipe Threader Performance

The trade-off for going with a more compact threader is that you have a smaller capacity than the full-size version. The compact threader is compatible with 1/8-inch to 1 1/4-inch dies whereas the 2874 can thread up to 2 inches.

Speaking of dies, there’s news on that front, too. Milwaukee is launching a line of die heads that claim to be the industry’s lightest—50% lighter than the competition. These compact forged aluminum die heads are compatible with the new threader but not the larger model. If you have the 2-inch threader already, Milwaukee has dies for it, too.

Between the dies and the tool’s brushless motor, you can thread rigid conduit, stainless steel, and even black iron pipe at speeds up to 35 RPM. That’s slightly lower than the larger version’s 41 RPM top speed. The compact model also sports one speed compared to 2874’s two speeds.

The Milwaukee 2870 shares the Autostop kickback protection of its big brother. If the tool senses kickback, it automatically shuts down the motor before it can cause an injury.

Milwaukee M18 Fuel Compact Pipe Threader Design Notes

Size and Weight

Milwaukee M18 Fuel Compact Pipe Threader Review

Without a doubt, size and weight are the two biggest talking points on Milwaukee’s latest threader. The compact 2870 is 19.7 inches long as a bare tool. That’s more than 6 inches shorter than the original 2874.

The weight is significantly lower, too. Where the original weighed 22.3 pounds bare, the compact version is just 14.3 pounds… with a 1-inch die and 8.0Ah High Output battery. Bare, it’s 10.6 pounds. That’s a HUGE drop!

Die Changes

Another big advantage the Milwaukee 2870 has is that die changes are super-easy. Just turn the collar to the unlock position, slide the new die in, and turn the collar back to the lock position. It’s much easier and faster than we found with DeWalt’s cordless threader.

Additional Highlights

Side-Grip eliminates hand contact with the die head before and during threading
Dedicated support arm included
One-Key integrated for tracking, inventory management, and security

Milwaukee M18 Fuel Pipe Threader Vs M18 Fuel Compact Pipe Threader

	2874 Pipe Threader	2870 Compact Pipe Threader
Speeds	2	1
Die Range	Up to 2 inches	Up to 1 1/4 inches
Length	26.3 inches	19.6 inches
Weight	22.3 lbs bare	10.6 lbs

Milwaukee M18 Fuel Compact Pipe Threader Price

Look for the compact threader as a kit for $2199.99. It includes the tool, two 8.0Ah High Output batteries, and an M12/M18 multi-voltage rapid charger along with the lightweight 1/2, 3/4, 1, and 1 1/4-inch dies. There’s no bare tool option at the moment.

Milwaukee backs the threader with a 5-year warranty.

The Bottom Line

Whether you deal exclusively with pipe and conduit 1 1/4-inch or less, or you want a compact supplement to your larger threader, the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Compact Pipe Threader is incredibly convenient. It’s lighter, smaller, and still has excellent threading speed. Of course, it’s cordless, so you can take it anywhere without needing to worry about a separate power source.

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